Staff

Chris Head
CEO

Hello, I am Chris Head and I was delighted to take on the job of chief executive of Meningitis Research Foundation at the end of 2007, having previously done similar roles at two other national health-care charities, Penny Brohn CancerCare and CLIC UK (Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood).

I think the great thing about the Foundation is that, as well as funding the vital medical research which will finally lead to cures for meningitis and septicaemia, we also support people affected. We offer an opportunity, through our Membership scheme, for everyone to become directly involved in our work, particularly through media campaigns and fundraising, and I am constantly grateful for the energy and commitment of our thousands of supporters.

As a member of the Institute of Fundraising, a former board member of the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, I believe strongly in championing professional standards in the charity sector. I am very fortunate that the dedication and expertise of my colleagues here is making a real difference people affected by and at risk from meningitis and septicaemia, both in the UK and abroad. 

Away from work I am an enthusiastic amateur musician and enjoy life with my family in Bath.

Paul George
Office Manager and PA to CEO

I have been with MRF since 1995, initially working 3 hours a day while managing a young family. Since then I have slowly become full time and moved over from fundraising to the position of office manager.

I am a keen supporter Charlton Athletic.

Kelly Bidder
Finance Manager

Hi I'm Kelly Bidder and I've been working for MRF since May 2004 as the Finance Manager.

My main role is to process all the income and expenditure for the whole charity including satellite offices and preparing monthly management accounts, but colleagues would agree an important part of my job is paying their wages!

I enjoy working for the charity and hopefully one day I will be able to keep on top of my filing!

I'm on maternity leave at the moment, and Shirley Wilson's looking after things in my absence. She can be contacted via my email address.


Sue Gillett
Cashier

My name is Sue Gillett and I've been working for the charity since November 1994, how time flies!

I'm the cashier and I deal with all the financial paperwork that comes into the charity, such as invoices, expenses forms, purchase orders and, more seriously, the banking.

I also spend time trying to collect tea and coffee funds from the staff, this is sometimes the hardest part of my job.

Harpinder Collacott
Head of Communications and Campaigns

Hi, I'm Harpinder Collacott and I head up the Communications and Campaigns Department at MRF. I joined in September 2008, just in time to implement this new website project. My career has mainly been in the human rights field, working for the prosecutor of the War Crimes tribunal in Sierra Leone, think tanks and NGOs in Washington, DC USA, The Oak Foundation funding international human rights projects, and in the UK and European Parliaments for Parliamentarians.

My objectives are to raise the profile of the organisation through greater use of digital technology in our communications, informing a growing audience of the great results emerging from the excellent research we fund, and continue to make sure we raise awareness among as many people as possible about the diseases.

It is great to work with such a committed and passionate team at the Foundation and getting to know inspirational members and supporters, whose stories and bravery make every day worthwhile.

Do get involved in our campaigns and awareness work - your experiences really bring all our work alive. I look forward to hearing from you.

I'm on maternity leave at the moment, and Camilla Bond is looking after things in my absence. She can be contacted at camillab@meningitis.org

Adrian Robson
Communications Manager

Hi. I'm Adrian Robson. I work in the Communications Department at the Foundation and have done since 1999.

I look after lots of e-communications, like this website, as well our newsletter for members and supporters - Microscope.

I also work to increase media coverage of meningitis and septicaemia and the work of MRF.

Having a true understanding of the devastating effects of the diseases, through our Members, continues to be my main motivation.

Read our Members' stories on site in the Book of Experience.

Kirsten Appleton
Publications and Events Officer

I'm Kirsten Appleton, the Publications and Events Officer, and have been with the charity since 2004.

I look after all of the Foundation's printed materials - from the smallest symptoms card to the biggest wallplanner, and everything in between.

As part of the Communications Team I also help with working with the media, and I love the involvement this gives me with our Members, as their stories are a constant reminder of what it is we are trying to achieve.
 

Shirley Gieron
Head of Helpline and Membership

Hi, I'm Shirley and I lead a team of dedicated staff and nurses working within the 24 hour Helpline and Membership Department.

My work with Members and individuals who have personal experience of meningitis and septicaemia includes home visits, the Telephone Befriending Network, giving talks to health professionals and community groups, running Members' Days and linking with other agencies and charities dealing with neurological and physical disabilities.

I feel privileged to support people affected by these diseases through times of extreme crisis, sharing their experiences and working with them through life changing trauma.

Victoria Oakey
Helpline and Membership Officer

I started working for the Foundation in 2003 as Helpline and Membership Officer.

As well as taking calls to the helpline, my role includes working with our members to arrange cheque presentations and awareness events, delivering awareness talks to various groups, and supporting our Befriender Coordinator with the Telephone Befriending Network.
The most rewarding part of my job is meeting and working alongside our Members.

Becki Wordsworth
Helpline and Befriender Officer

My role in the charity is two-fold: as part of the helpline team I offer ongoing support to individuals and families that have been affected by meningitis and septicaemia.

I also coordinate the Telephone Befriending Network which matches our trained befrienders with individuals to provide more personal support from people who have had a similar experience.

In my role I recruit, train and support befrienders and I feel honoured to work with this amazing group of individuals.

Joy Pepper
Membership Administrator

I started working at the Charity in April 1998.

My first post was in the general office for one year, and then I worked in two separate departments as Research Administrator and Membership Administrator for over nine years. I have recently reduced my hours and now work as Membership Administrator and also respond to helpline calls.

I have enjoyed all my roles within the charity and get great satisfaction in knowing that we give support to anyone who contacts us.

Linda Glennie
Head of Research and Medical Information

I'm Linda Glennie and I'm Head of Research and Medical Information at MRF where I've worked since 1997.

I work with scientists and health professionals across a range of disciplines to develop information materials for the public and for health professionals, and I've co-authored several educational resources for nurses and trainee doctors. I also organise  the scientific programme for the Foundation’s biennial international conferences.

I'm responsible for managing the administration, peer review and monitoring of the Foundation’s international research programme. In collaboration with the Department of Social Medicine at the University of Bristol I manage the Impact of Meningitis project.

I was a member of the Guideline Development Group for the NICE guideline on Bacterial Meningitis and Meningococcal Septicaemia, published June 2010.

I have a background in biological sciences.

Claire Wright
Medical Information Officer

My name is Claire and my role as Medical Information Officer involves working on the educational materials that MRF distributes to health professionals and the public, making sure that it is up to date with findings from current research. 

I also try to answer specific medical questions we receive about meningitis and septicaemia and promote the charity's work at conferences around the country. 

It’s very rewarding to work on awareness literature which may go on to help save lives and support those who have been affected by this disease.

 

Rachel Perrin
International Development Officer

Hi, I’m Rachel. Working alongside our international advisory group, my role is to expand the work we’re doing to fight meningitis and septicaemia in Africa, where the burden from these diseases is very high.

One way we hope to achieve this is by supporting a quick and reliable meningitis test. An affordable and simple test that can be used at the patients’ bedside could improve outcomes from meningitis by helping early diagnosis and treatment.

We’re also hoping to increase the scope of our international research projects, and a big part of my job is to raise funds to support research into diagnosis and treatment of meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa.

 

Laura Clark
Epidemiologist and Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate

My name is Laura and my background is in Biology/Epidemiology. 

Since May 2009 I have been working with Meningitis Research Foundation, alongside the University of Bristol, researching into the long-term effects of meningitis and septicaemia. The first MRF Member Survey and future surveys will be an invaluable resource and contribute to a large part of the research I do.

It will be great to see this research used to more effectively lobby government for the provision of after care for those affected by this disease.

Sarah Campbell
Head of Fundraising

I have been working for the Foundation since 2001 and have seen the fundraising department grow and develop in that time.

I manage the team of community fundraisers and work towards increasing our income.

I have enjoyed my work as I see the direct result between the money raised and lives saved.

It has been my pleasure to work with a fantastic team and wonderful members and supporters who do so much for us.

Doug Janke
Head of Development

I have been working at MRF since Autumn 2007. Having had meningitis as a teenager I know how fortunate I am to be here. I am inspired by the hard work of my colleagues particularly in Membership and motivated by the courage and determination of our Members and supporters.

I am responsible for seeking and developing new fundraising activities and sources of income, and, with the Chief Executive, for promoting the charity’s good name and profile in new areas of work and developing new partnerships.  I also manage the charity’s corporate, trust and other fundraising objectives, strategy and targets in England and Wales.

In my spare time I enjoy time with my family, cryptic crosswords, growing vegetables, and volunteer for two other charities.

Ian Beningfield
Deputy Head of Development

Social and new media fan, part time geek and prolific coffee drinker. I've been with the charity since 2004, in the past I was involved with many of the charity's community events including most recently the running programme.

These days I spend a lot of my time finding new ways to use technology and the web to boost our fundraising, stay in contact with our Members and supporters and baffle my colleagues with jargon

Laura Coakley
Community Fundraising Officer

I'm Laura and I  work in MRF's fundraising department.

If you're at university and want to get involved in some events for us, I can give you the perfect excuse to throw on some fancy dress and raise some money.

My introduction was the hectic street collection that is 'London Loot', if you want to hear about this or any others get in touch. Or if you're at a school or nursery there are lots of ways we can help each other.

New to the charity, I've been touched by the heart-felt support people are willing to give, and how important that is for us.
 

 Genna Vizard
Community Fundraising Officer

I’m Genna and started volunteering in Helpline and Membership in June 2009 after graduating from university. I took up the role of Administration Officer in August 2009 before moving to the Fundraising Department.

My role involves working with universities, schools and nurseries on a variety of fundraising events. If you would like to get involved please get in touch.

Claire Johnson
Fundraising Officer

Hi I am Claire and I am a Fundraising Officer for MRF. I actually started working for the Foundation in September 2002 as a Fundraising Assistant.

My current roles are recruiting for some runs, parachute jumps, member and supporter events and Slimathon. I really enjoy my job and work with brilliant colleagues/friends.

Julie Wootton
Administration Assistant

I have been an administrative assistant within the Fundraising Department and the Admin Team since March 2002. Part of my duties are to support the fundraisers on their events and to keep the cupboard stocked up with resources.

I enjoy talking with our supporters and Members and hearing of their experiences even though some of them are devastating, but most of all I am amazed at the commitment of some of them in raising money to support the Foundation.

Tracey Coghlan
Administration Assistant

I have worked at Meningitis Research Foundation since September 2008.

I work as Admin Assistant in the Fundraising Department and find it an interesting and varied role.

I am constantly moved by the experiences from our Members and amazed by their determination to make a difference. I like to feel that in some small way I am helping them all in reaching their goal.

Mary Millar
Scotland Office Manager

I'm Mary Millar and I'm the Scotland Manager. I joined MRF in July 2009.

My background is in marketing and advertising within the private sector, and I will be fully utilising these skills to promote the Foundation further in Scotland and to drive forward increased awareness, support and fundraising campaigns.

I'm really looking forward to meeting all our Scottish Members and Supporters, and to helping make a difference to our important cause.

Robbie Coleman
Medical Information Officer

I work as the Medical Information Officer in Scotland. I have a background in Medical Science and Anatomy.

I've been with the Foundation since April '08.

I find this job motivating as I can channel my efforts into trying to prevent people suffering from the effects of meningitis and septicaemia and help provide support for those who have.

Alison Baker
Fundraising Officer

Hi, I'm Alison and I work in the Edinburgh office of the Foundation.

I've been working in a fundrasing role since 2006 and I thoroughly enjoy the large variety of fundraising that our office deals with.

I'm happy to help with all things fundraising in Scotland.


Caitlan Dula
Admin Officer

Hi I'm Caitlan. I'm your first point of contact for the Scotland office giving you information about our unique fundraising events, volunteering opportunities, donations, and loads more.  I also love it when people visit the office and am keen to put on the kettle. Give me a call or stop in anytime!

Dawn Carrie
Admin Officer

Hi , I'm Dawn and and I started at the Foundation in August 2009 as an Administration and Fundraising Assistant in the Edinburgh Office. My role includes orgainsing street, supermarket and can collections in Scotland. I rely on the help of all our wonderful volunteer, members and supports, who I am looking forward to meeting.

Diane McConnell
Ireland Manager

I have been with the charity since 5 April 1995 and am the Ireland manager - which incorporates two offices, Belfast and Dublin.

I love my job and get great satisfaction from working with members and supporters of the charity who are as committed to the cause as I am.

I have four grown up children and one grandson. I like family Sundays and walk and read when I get the time.

Marbeth Ferguson
Medical Information Officer

My name is Marbeth Ferguson and I've been Medical Information Officer in Northern Ireland since June 2008.

I feel honoured to work with our members and supporters and hearing how meningitis and septicaemia has devastated so many lives reminds me how vital our work at MRF is.

Emma Collins
Fundraising Officer

I’m Emma Collins and I work as a Fundraising Officer in our Belfast office and have been with the Foundation since 14th March 2007. I feel working for Meningitis Research Foundation is extremely rewarding and although I have been amazed by people’s fundraising efforts I have also been saddened at how meningitis and septicaemia can affect and devastate lives. This is why I am passionate about my role.

Ifeel honoured to work with our members and supporters and hearing howmeningitis and septicaemia has devastated so many lives reminds me how vital our work at MRF is.

Keli Wilkinson
Fundraising Officer

I work as a Fundraising Officer in our Belfast Office and have been with the Foundation since October 2007.

The role is extremely varied and there is never a dull moment which is great! I work closely with Emma Collins, the other fundraiser in the office, although I am responsible for parachute jumps, overseas challenges, corporate fundraising, marathons and that's just for starters!

I really enjoy talking to members and supporters and meeting them at events as I think that makes all the difference. I really enjoy being able to help people with their fundraising ideas and find the role very rewarding.

We are a small team in Belfast but we all work very well together which makes it a great place to work!

Diane McConnell
Ireland Manager

I have been with the charity since 5 April 1995 and am the Ireland manager - which incorporates two offices, Belfast and Dublin.

I love my job and get great satisfaction from working with members and supporters of the charity who are as committed to the cause as I am.

I have four grown up children and one grandson. I like family Sundays and walk and read when I get the time.

Clodagh Hegarty
Medical Information Officer

Hi. I'm Clodagh and I the Medical Information Officer in the Dublin office.

What really attracted me to this job was having the chance to make a difference. I have been hugely impressed by the level of commitment and care that is shown by all staff. I feel privileged to be a part of this team.

Monika Madej
Fundraising Officer in Ireland

I work as a Fundraising Officer for Dublin office and have been with the Foundation since 29 May 2006.

As the only fundraiser in the office I'm responsible for generating the income and coordinating every aspect of the fundraising activity.

The charity gives me not only a great opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge but also a possibility to meet wonderful and inspirational people.

In my spare time I enjoy life the best I can.


Wioletta Tometczak
Administrative Officer

I have been working at the Foundation 1 year and 6 months.

It's good to work in a demanding, fast-paced multi-tasking office and to know that we are helping other people.

Elaine O' Connor
Administrative Assistant

I recently joined MRF as a member of staff, and I am enjoying the variety of work. Each day is busy and different. When not at work, I enjoy going to the gym, and being creative.